Proverbs Chapter 18 – Sloth, contention, and gossip condemned

1 Through desire, a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

 

2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

 

3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

 

4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

 

5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

 

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

 

7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

 

8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

 

9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

 

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

 

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own conceit.

 

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; and before honor is humility.

 

13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

 

14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

 

15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

 

16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

 

17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbor cometh and searcheth him.

 

18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

 

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

 

20 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

 

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

 

22 Whoso findeth a good wife hath obtained favor of the Lord.

 

23 The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

 

24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.